2nd March 2013

Gung Ho!

“Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony!”Colossians 3:14 (NLT)

I’m sure that we’ve all heard or even used the expression—“Gung Ho!” “Gung Ho” is an anglicised pronunciation of the Chinese “Gong He” which was picked up by the United States Marines who served in China in the 1930s. It is generally a term used to mean “enthusiastic” or “dedicated.” But the most accurate translation apparently is—“Work together in harmony!”

This harmony is what God the Father looks for amongst his children and it would appear that it is his greatest goal for every one of us. If we turn to and read all of Psalm 133 we will come to understand this. The Psalmist writes, “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Harmon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life for evermore.”

We see in this short psalm just how beautiful and delightful harmony can be; it is a fragrant blessing to all who enjoy it in their families, their workplaces, and indeed, as an integral part of their lives. Actually, just thinking about it makes you smile—what a world it would be if every nation on this planet had this as a goal for its entire people. There would be no arms race, no war or fighting, no crime or unrest or disharmony!

During the 2012 Olympics in London, for example, we have seen our nation bonded together as Team GB strives for medals. I believe that we have had a brief glimpse of this amazing thing called Harmony displayed by all the spectators as they cheered the teams on. And no doubt you’ll agree that this is something special and something to strive together for even after the Games have finished!

Let’s desire to become a Gung Ho nation; working together in harmony and becoming an example for all the others!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, great Prince of Peace and Harmony, bless our nation with the oneness that comes from you as a gift—that we might shine as a clear bright light in the darkness, to the glory of our Father.
Amen